Prensky makes some sweeping generalizations in this article by claiming that most children have at least 3 email accounts, iPods, MP3 Players, Gameboys, Cell Phones, etc... Not all kids personally own these technological toys. Some students do not even own a computer in their own home and many schools (especially inner-city schools) do not have enough funds to use up to date technological devices. How is a teacher supposed to engage all students “at their level” when some students have unlimited access to technological devices and other students have none? It seems that if teachers encourage and promote technological education to their students, naturally some will succeed beyond expectation while others will fall far behind. It seems that Prensky's ideas on education would benefit students of middle to upper socioeconomic status while leaving lower class students out of the picture.
P.S.-
Prensky writes:
So hi there, I’m the tuned-out kid in
the back row with the headphones. Are
you going to engage me today or enrage
me? The choice is yours.
For the record I hope that no teacher would allow any of their students to tune-out with headphones on in the back row of the classroom...
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2 comments:
Alison, I love your critical thinking about this article. I agree with you that these expectations and generalizations are likely aimed at those who can afford to be up-to-date with technology.
You might remember how Dr. Kress addressed the issue of computers in Educational Psychology. He said that public libraries in low-income areas are the main source of internet access. But in middle and high-class areas, people have computers at home. Limitations like this could obviously hinder technological progress. As you stated, some would progress, while others would not.
Perhaps Prensky's other idea expressed in his article "Adopt or Adapt" could solve this issue. He suggests that all students should own their own laptops, made available presumably by public funding, to help with technological progression. While this is a nice idea, until it is a reality some will be at a disadvantage, widening the gap between students.
Ya, I agree. He must have lived and dealt with higher class people than the majority of people I have known. Most of my friends who have kids don't buy that many high dollar toys for their kids.
We will probably be using technology as it applies specifically to the school we will be teaching in. I'm not in a classroom yet, but I have talked to many who are that said that they have very limited technological education tools available to use in class.
Casey
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